Tropical Delight Crab Pasta Salad
This vibrant Tropical Delight Crab Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for lunch or as a light snack. Featuring a medley of colorful vegetables like red bell peppers and juicy mango, it is complemented by the sweet and tangy honey-lime dressing. The imitation crabmeat adds a delightful seafood touch, while the addition of jalapeno pepper provides a subtle kick. Ideal for summer gatherings or picnics, this dish can be prepared in advance and chilled for two hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy this summery salad that combines comfort with tropical flair!
6
Servings
200
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rotelle pasta
3 cups (uncooked)
Imitation crabmeat
8 ounces (refrigerated flake-style)
Red bell pepper
1 medium (sliced into thin strips)
Mango
1 (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
Jalapeno pepper
1 (seeded and finely chopped)
Fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Lime zest
1 teaspoon
Fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons
Olive oil
2 tablespoons
Honey
1 tablespoon
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon
Ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the honey lime dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, and ground ginger until well combined. Set this dressing aside to allow the flavors to develop.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotelle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking, and set it aside to cool completely.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rotelle pasta, imitation crabmeat, sliced red bell pepper, cubed mango, finely chopped jalapeno, and chopped fresh cilantro. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
4
Drizzle the prepared honey lime dressing over the pasta salad, and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
5
Taste the salad and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
6
Serve chilled, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
26.7g
Carbs
6g
Protein
1g
Fiber
2.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Delight Crab Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant salad featuring rotelle pasta, imitation crabmeat, mango, and a tangy honey-lime dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for rotelle pasta, which holds the dressing and small ingredients well.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
Is this crab pasta salad served hot or cold?
This salad is served chilled for the best flavor and refreshing experience.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
What are the ingredients in the honey-lime dressing?
The dressing consists of lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, honey, ground cumin, and ground ginger.
Can I use real crab instead of imitation crabmeat?
Yes, you can substitute imitation crab with real lump crabmeat if preferred.
Is the Tropical Delight Crab Pasta Salad spicy?
It has a subtle kick from one seeded and finely chopped jalapeno pepper.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What fruit is included in this pasta salad?
The salad features one fresh mango, peeled, seeded, and cubed.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 6 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 6.7 grams of fat per serving.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is ideal for preparing in advance as it needs to chill for 2 hours.
What vegetables are needed for this salad?
You will need a red bell pepper and a jalapeno pepper.
What fresh herb is used as a garnish?
Fresh cilantro is used both in the salad and as an optional garnish.
How much honey is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of honey.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 26.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Yes, each serving contains 1 gram of fiber.
How do I prepare the pasta for the salad?
Cook the rotelle until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Does this recipe contain ground ginger?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger is used in the dressing.
Can I substitute the rotelle pasta?
While rotelle is suggested, other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle would also work.
How much lime juice is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
What is the preparation for the red bell pepper?
The red bell pepper should be sliced into thin strips.
How much imitation crabmeat is needed?
The recipe requires 8 ounces of refrigerated flake-style imitation crabmeat.
What spices are in the honey lime dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with ground cumin and ground ginger.
Is this salad suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, its refreshing tropical flavors make it perfect for picnics and summer parties.
Should I seed the jalapeno?
Yes, the recipe suggests seeding the jalapeno before finely chopping it.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 2.5 grams of sugar per serving.
How do I ensure the salad is evenly coated?
Drizzle the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to combine everything.